AS we approach the EPA’s oral hearing on
the Indaver incinerator licence, on Monday, it is interesting to note
last Monday’s debate on incineration at the Cork School of Culture,
Chríost Rí.

It came to the same conclusion as earlier ones
held at UCC and the Political Science Department of TCD under Prof
Michael Laver.

In all three debates, after thorough exposition
of the arguments, the Government’s policy on incineration was
roundly defeated.

In contrast to the transparency of the debates,
participants in the EPA hearing next week will not be allowed to address
their questions or concerns to any member of the agency, and no member
is required to attend.

Appellants may only question fellow appellants.
The EPA is not obliged to take into account anything that is said
and there will be no suitably-qualified or independent inspector there.

Like the contravention of the Cork county development
plan; the setting aside of Cork County Council’s vote, and the
outrageous overturning of planning inspector Philip Jones’ informed
recommendation following the 2003 Bord Pleanála hearing, this
situation is an insult to democracy, to justice and to the people
of Cork.